UCF Students Sweep Scholarships at Creative South Conference

When officials at the southeast's premiere design conference needed to decide on where to invest their scholarship dollars, their choice was overwhelming UCF.

UCF School of Visual Arts and Design students earned all four scholarships awarded at Creative South, a testament to the university's growing reputation as a hub for emerging creative talent.

"We've built such a strong community that when one person succeeds, we all do," says Vanessa Morán, a senior graphic design student and treasurer of UCF's Graphic Design Student Association. "That's something Associate Professor Victor Davila '97 '07MFA has always instilled in us."

For Brianna Rodriguez, a junior graphic design student who received a $1,000 grant, the scholarship is validation for where she's heading.

"It felt like a message that my work has potential, and that I need to start seeing it that way," she says.

Building Industry Connections

The students' takeaways from Creative South went well beyond scholarship awards. Known for its welcoming environment, the conference gave students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on feedback, and real-world insight.

The access stood out to AJ Sibul, a senior graphic design student, who says Creative South made the industry feel more human.

"There's no separation between attendees and speakers," Sibul says. "They emphasize people first, titles second."

From portfolio reviews to keynote presentations to late-night networking events, students built meaningful connections with working creatives, leading to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities.

UCF emerging media alumnus Josh Alonso '25 understands that firsthand. Alonso first attended Creative South as a student, where he earned a scholarship from Heyo, a design and development agency, which included a yearlong mentorship with a professional from the company.

That experience led to his current full-time role, demonstrating how connections made at Creative South can translate directly into opportunities.

"That mentorship really grew into a friendship, which led to a job offer later down the road," Alonso says. "They helped me understand the importance of being someone people wanted to work with, rather than just having the best-looking portfolio."

"My career essentially got its 'jumpstart' from the people I met at Creative South." - Josh Alonso '25

Alonso's journey reflects what many UCF students are beginning to experience: real pathways into creative careers.

"My career essentially got its 'jumpstart' from the people I met at Creative South," he says.

As UCF continues to invest in the next generation of creatives, experiences like Creative South equip students with the connections and confidence needed to succeed in the industry after graduation.

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